Foodie heaven brings 25,000 to Thame

Now ranked as the largest free food festival in the country, Thame Food Festival is a true celebration of local and artisan food

“The Thame Food Festival relies on the help of so many people to make it the success it is and I’d like to say a big thank you to them all”

Thame Food Festival this year saw 25000 visitors to 207 stalls packed with an amazing array of locally produced food and drink, two stages to watch talented chefs in action and the festival’s first ever cookery challenge, The Big Thame Bake, all adding up to a fantastic festival atmosphere

Festival patron Lotte Duncan told us“The atmosphere this year was simply stunning. We were bowled over by how many people came and the appreciation they showed. Everyone who came loved the good food and drink, the fabulous producers, the chefs and speakers. The town was filled with laughter and smiles.”

Visitors were laden down with their purchases, and many stall holders reported selling out.

With familiar foodie faces in action, (people like Natalie Coleman from BBC One’s Masterchef, and Frances Quinn, Luis Troyano, Miranda Gore-Browne and Howard Middleton from the Great British Bake Off) and chefs including Raymond Blanc, Sophie Grigson, Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi and Lucie Greenwood it couldn’t fail to be an amazing weekend.

“It makes me very proud, and also very emotional, to look at what we put on for the community and for the town.” continued Lotte. “It takes a huge amount of work and hundreds of hours of organization but it’s really worth it .

“At the same time, it’s a massive boost for the local economy, not only on the day but afterwards too as people come back and shop here. Visitors fall in love with Thame and see what our great market town has to offer on its bustling high street. Some even move here they love Thame so much,” she added.

“The Thame Food Festival relies on the help of so many people to make it the success it is and I’d like to say a big thank you to them all.” said Lotte Duncan. “We are hugely grateful to all the chefs who give their time for nothing to come to Thame, the directors who provide their input and expertise, the new foodie force of volunteers helping out on the day, Jane Hornby who did a wonderful job running the Big Thame Bake and of course our hardworking organiser, Alison Isherwood. Thank you to everyone – it’s a true team effort,” she said.

The Thame Food Festival is a community event run by the community for the community. For more details, or to get involved by sponsoring or supporting next year’s festival, please go to thamefoodfestival.co.uk.